The Economic, Social and Environmental Council

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The Economic, Social, and Environmental Council was established by the Act No. 2012-16 of September 28, 2012 amending the Constitution. The Organic Law No 2012-28 of December 28, 2012 outlined its organization and functions.

The Economic, Social, and Environmental Council is the second Constitutional Assembly of Senegal. It constitutes to the public authorities a consultative assembly that may be seized by the President of the Republic, the National Assembly, or the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government to provide advice or studies.

Made up of the nation’s vital forces, the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council enables collaboration and engagement of socio-professional groups in national economic, social, and environmental policies. It monitors progress in economic, social, and environmental matters, and suggests necessary adjustments. It promotes political dialogue and cooperation between local authorities and similar foreign entities.

It may decide to review economic, social, and financial issues, carry out, for this purpose, any study and investigation required, and propose views and suggestions for reform deemed to foster the economic, social, and environmental development of the nation.

Matters to be submitted to the Council for its opinion by the President of the Republic include:
• Draft laws, programs, and plans related in the economic, social, or environmental field (mandatory).
• Programming draft laws defining multiannual guidelines for public finances, draft laws, orders, and decrees as well as parliamentary draft laws falling within its sphere of competence.

The ESEC may also be called upon on by the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the National Assembly, or the Prime Minister for advice or studies.

It may, on its own initiative, raise attention of the Government or the National Assembly on reforms deemed necessary, and contribute to the assessment of public policies related to economic, social, or environmental issues.

Finally, citizens may refer to the CESE, through a petition with at least 5,000 signatures, any economic, social, and environmental issue.